Game system, lobby server apparatus, and game terminal

ABSTRACT

A game system is provided. The game system has plural game terminals that can be used for a play of plural games and a lobby server apparatus. Each game terminal selects one of plural games based on an operation made to an operation unit by a player, and transmits selection data indicating a selection result to lobby server apparatus. Lobby server apparatus counts using the selection data the number of times selected for each game, and transmits, to each game terminal, based on the number of times selected, schedule data basically associating each schedule period with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period corresponding to the schedule period. Each game terminal, based on the schedule data, outputs information prompting selection, in a schedule period, of a game corresponding to the schedule period.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a technique for grouping game terminals for a multiplayer participation-type online game (multiplayer online game), in a play in which a group including plural game terminals is used.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known a game system in which each of plural game terminals selects a game from plural types of multiplayer online games and in which a lobby server apparatus groups game terminals that have selected the same game. On the other hand, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3730248 (FIG. 5) describes a technique for matching opponents in a knockout tournament regardless of the phase of the tournament.

In the above game system, there is a disadvantage in that, as the number of games that can be selected relative to the number of game terminals increases, the time required for grouping is increased. Accordingly, it can be envisioned to build a game system that performs grouping regardless of the game selected at the game terminal by applying the technique described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3730248 to the above game system. According to this game system, the time required for grouping is not increased even if the number of games that can be selected relative to the number of game terminals increases. However, there would be some players who are made to participate in a game that is different from the game selected by the player.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

To solve the problem above, the present invention has as an object, in a game system for plural multiplayer online games, to minimize the probability of incidences in which a player is made to participate in a game different from the one selected by the player, without increasing the time required for grouping.

The present invention provides a game system (a first aspect) having plural game terminals for executing a game program; and a lobby server apparatus for forming plural groups of game terminals of a prescribed number from among the plural game terminals and for associating a game with each of the plural groups, the prescribed number being equal to or greater than two, and all the game terminals belonging to each of the plural groups being used for a play of the game associated with the group, each of the plural game terminals having: an operation unit; a selector that selects one of plural games in accordance with an operation of the operation unit; a selection data transmitter that transmits a piece of selection data indicating a result of selection by the selector to the lobby server apparatus, the lobby server apparatus having: a selection data receiver that receives the selection data piece from each of the plural game terminals; a grouper that forms the plural groups by grouping game terminals of the prescribed number from among game terminals having transmitted the selection data pieces received by the selection data receiver in an order in which the selection data pieces were received, and that, in each grouping, identifies, based on the prescribed number of pieces of selection data, a game for the group to be formed, to associate the identified game with the group to be formed; a counter that counts, by using the selection data pieces, the number of times for which each of the plural games was selected; a schedule data generator that generates, based on the number of times selected counted by the counter, schedule data associating, with a schedule period, a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest; and a schedule data transmitter that transmits the schedule data to each of the plural game terminals, and each of the plural game terminals further having a schedule data receiver that receives the schedule data from the lobby server apparatus; and an information outputter that outputs, based on the schedule data, information prompting selection, in the schedule period, of a game corresponding to the schedule period.

In this game system, game terminals of a prescribed number are grouped at the lobby server apparatus in an order of the first-come basis of selection data. Thus, the grouping that is independent from a game selection and is on the first-come basis is performed. In the first-come-basis grouping not depending on the game selection, there is an advantage in that, even if the number of games that can be selected becomes large relative to the number of game terminals, the time required for grouping is not increased, and there is a disadvantage in that a player may be made to participate in a play different from a game that the player has selected. However, in this game system, selection of a game, in a schedule period, with the game corresponding to the schedule period, is prompted at a game terminal. Therefore, those who understand that the first-come basis grouping not depending on the game selection is performed would be able to understand that, even if they select a game, in a schedule period, that is different from a game corresponding to the schedule period, the probability of being made to participate in a play of the game corresponding to the schedule period would be high. The probability for a player who understands this to select in a schedule period a game other than a game corresponding to the schedule period is sufficiently low. Therefore, the probability of a game corresponding to the schedule period being selected in the schedule period would be high. As a result, the probability of a player being made to participate in a play of a game that is different from a game the player has selected will be reduced to low levels. Therefore, according to the game system, the incidence of a player being made to participate in a play of a game different from the selected game can be reduced to low levels, without increasing the time required for grouping.

In a game system according to the first aspect, there may be plural schedule periods, the plural schedule periods not overlapping with each other; and the number of times selected counted by the counter may be the number of times selected for each of the plural games in each of the plural count periods not overlapping with each other. Additionally, the plural count periods and the plural schedule periods may respectively correspond to each other; the schedule data may be data that associates each of the plural schedule periods with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period corresponding to each schedule period; and the information output by the information outputter may be information for prompting selection, in each of the plural schedule periods, of a game corresponding to the schedule period (a second aspect).

In a game system according to the second aspect, each of the plural schedule periods is associated with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period corresponding to each schedule period, and, at a game terminal, the selection, in each of the plural schedule periods, of a game corresponding to each schedule period is prompted. Therefore, the probability of a user of a game terminal in each schedule period being a person who does not want to participate in a play of a game corresponding to the schedule period would be sufficiently low. Therefore, according to this game system, the number of people who give up participation in a play of a desired game will be sufficiently reduced.

In the game system of the first aspect, there may be plural schedule periods, the plural schedule periods not overlapping with each other; the number of times selected counted by the counter may be the number of times selected for each of the plural games in each of the plural count periods not overlapping with each other; and the plural count periods and the plural schedule periods respectively may correspond to each other. Additionally, the schedule data generator may generate, based on the number of times selected counted by the counter, data associating each of the plural schedule periods, with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period corresponding to each schedule period, and, in a case in which the plural games include a game that is not associated with any of the plural schedule periods, may change the data so that every one of the plural games is associated with one of the plural schedule periods, to employ the changed data as schedule data, and otherwise employs the data as the schedule data; and the information output by the information outputter may be information prompting selection, in each of the plural schedule periods, of a game corresponding to the schedule period (a third aspect).

In the game system according to the third aspect, in general rules, each of the plural schedule periods is associated with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period corresponding to the schedule period, and, at a game terminal, the selection is prompted for a game, in each of the plural schedule periods, corresponding to the schedule period. However, in a case in which there is a game for which the number of times selected is not the greatest in any of the plural count periods, this game is associated with one of the plural schedule periods. Therefore, according to this game system, without practically reducing the number of games that can be selected, the number of people who give up participation in a play for a desired game can be reduced.

In the game system according to the first aspect, the schedule period may include a first schedule period (a long first schedule period) and a second schedule period shorter than the first schedule period (a short second schedule period), the first schedule period and the second schedule period not overlapping with each other; the schedule data may be data that associates a first game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with the first schedule period and that associates a second game different from the first game with the second schedule period; and the information output by the information outputter may be information prompting selection of the first game in the first schedule period and of the second game in the second schedule period (fourth aspect). In a game system according to the fourth aspect, the first schedule period in which selection is prompted of the first game having a high probability of being selected is longer than the second schedule period in which selection is prompted of the second game having a low probability of being selected. Therefore, according to this game system, the number of people who give up participation in a play for a desired game can be reduced.

In the game system according to the first aspect, the game terminal may prohibit, in the schedule period, selection of a game other than a game corresponding to the schedule period (fifth aspect). According to a game system of the fifth aspect, in a schedule period, there will be no incidence of a game other than a game corresponding to the schedule period being selected. Therefore, no player would be made to participate in a play for a game that is different from the game other than the one the player has selected. Similarly, in the game systems according to the second and third aspects, the game terminal may prohibit, in each of the plural schedule periods, selection of a game other than a game corresponding to the schedule period (sixth and seventh aspects).

In a game system according to the first to seventh aspects, the grouper, in each grouping, may select, in a random manner, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data for the group to be formed, and associates a game indicated by the selected piece of selection data with the group to be formed. Another way of identifying a game to be associated with a group to be formed based on pieces of selection data would be identifying on a majority basis. However, according to this method, a game for which a player participates in a play could be identified independently from the details of a part of game selections. For example, in a case in which the prescribed number is 3, two pieces of selection data are received by the selection data receiver and in which both pieces of the selection data indicate the same game, the game indicated by the two pieces of previously received selection data will be associated with a group to be formed no matter which game is indicated in the remaining one piece of selection data. Thus, a game for which a player participates in a play is identified regardless of the game indicated by the third piece of selection data. In contrast, in this game system, in each grouping, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data is randomly selected, and a game indicated by the selected piece of selection data is associated with a group to be formed. Therefore, a game for which a player participates in a play could not be identified independently from the game selection. Also, according to this game system, the greater is the number of pieces of selection data indicating the same game, the higher is the probability of this game being selected. Therefore, the number of players who are made to participate in a play other than a game each player has selected can be reduced.

In a game system according to the first to seventh aspects, the plural game terminals may be dispersely located in plural game venues; the grouper, in each grouping, in a case in which the number of game venues where the game terminals of the prescribed number for the group to be formed are located is one, may select, in a random manner, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data for the group to be formed, and may associate a game indicated by the selected piece of selection data with the group to be formed; and the grouper, in each grouping, in a case in which the number of game venues where the game terminals of the prescribed number for the group to be formed are located is two or more, may associate a game with each of the two or more game venues and may select, in a random manner, one of the two or more game venues, to associate the game corresponding the selected game venue with the group to be formed.

In this game system, a group to be formed is associated with a game indicated by one piece of selection data randomly selected from the prescribed number of pieces of selection data, or a game corresponding to a game venue randomly selected from two or more game venues. Therefore, a game for which a player participates in a play could not be identified independently from the game selection. Also, in this game system, in each grouping, the probability for a group to be formed being associated with a game corresponding to a game venue in which the majority of the game terminals of the prescribed number of this group is located would be equal to the probability of being associated with a game corresponding to a game venue in which the minority is located. Therefore, a situation is avoided in which those who use a game venue having a small number of game terminals located and those who have few acquaintances who use the same game venue are disadvantaged. Preferably, the grouper may select, in each grouping, a game to be associated with the game venue based on at least one piece of selection data transmitted from at least one game terminal located in the game venue randomly or on a majority basis, from among the prescribed number of pieces of selection data of a group to be formed.

Additionally, the present invention provides a lobby server apparatus in a game system having plural game terminals for executing a game program, wherein, among which plural game terminals, a prescribed number of game terminals are grouped as a group, all the game terminals belonging to the group being used for a play of a game associated with the group, with the prescribed number being equal to or greater than two, the lobby server having: a selection data receiver that receives selection data pieces from the plural game terminals, each piece of the selection data indicating one of plural games selected by a player of the game; a grouper that forms plural groups by grouping game terminals of the prescribed number from among game terminals having transmitted the selection data pieces received by the selection data receiver in an order in which the selection data pieces were received, and, in each grouping, identifies, based on the prescribed number of pieces of selection data, a game for the group to be formed, to associate the identified game with the group to be formed; a counter that counts, by using the pieces of selection data, the number of times selected for each of the plural games; a schedule data generator that generates, based on the number of times selected counted by the counter, schedule data associating a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with a schedule period; and a schedule data transmitter that transmits the schedule data to each of the plural game terminals so that information based on the schedule data is output by a game terminal having received the schedule data. According to this lobby server apparatus, the game system according to the first aspect can be configured.

The present invention provides a game terminal in a game system having plural game terminals for executing a game program and a lobby server for forming plural groups of game terminals of a prescribed number from among the plural game terminals, and for associating a game with each of the plural groups, the prescribed number being equal to or greater than two, and all the game terminals belonging to each of the plural groups being used for a play of the game associated with the group, the game terminal having: an operation unit; a selector that selects one of plural games in accordance with an operation of the operation unit; a selection data transmitter that transmits selection data indicating a result of selection by the selector to the lobby server apparatus, a schedule data receiver that receives schedule data from the lobby server apparatus, the schedule data associating a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with a schedule period; and an information outputter that outputs, based on the schedule data, information prompting selection, in the schedule period, of a game corresponding to the schedule period. According to this game terminal, the game system according to the first aspect can be configured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a game terminal included in the game system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a lobby server apparatus included in the game system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of groups in the game system.

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing an operational example in a grouping process of the game system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of communication address for a game terminal.

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing an operational example of a play process in the game system.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a grouping process performed at the lobby server apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a schedule data generation process performed at the lobby server apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the number of times selected that is counted in the schedule data generation process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the correspondence indicated by schedule data that is generated in the schedule data generation process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a schedule data delivery process performed at the lobby server apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a client process performed at the game terminal.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of a schedule table in the client process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a game selection process included in the client process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed in the game selection process.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of a selection screen displayed in the game selection process.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed according to a modification of the game system.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed according to another modification of the game system.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed according to another modification of the game system.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule table displayed at a game terminal according to still another modification of the game system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to an embodiment described below, and various modifications and applications derived by modifying this embodiment can be included in a technical scope thereof.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, game system 100 has plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . , and a lobby server apparatus 40. Plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . are dispersely located in plural game venues A, B, C, . . . , respectively. Each game venue is, for example, a venue for having visitors use game terminals for profit, and each game venue has a router 20. Each game terminal can be used for a play of plural games (four games GA, GB, GC, and GD shown in FIG. 14), and is connected to a network 10 such as the Internet via router 20 provided at a game venue where this game terminal is located.

Lobby server apparatus 40 is adapted to group plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . into plural groups of the prescribed number (three), in a received order of pieces of selection data (described later), to associate each group with one of plural games GA, GB, GC and GD, and is connected to network 10 via a router 30. Each game terminal is capable of communicating with lobby server apparatus 40 and another game terminal via network 10. Plural game GA, GB, GC and GD each are played at each group, and each is a game in which all the game terminals belonging to a group with which the game is associated are used for a play. In other words, this is a multiple-player participation type online game in which the users of all the game terminals belonging to a group participate in a single play.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of game terminal A1. Other game terminals are configured likewise. As shown in this figure, game terminal A1 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 200, a RAM (random access memory) 201, a ROM (read only memory) 202, a communication interface 203, a display device 21, an operation unit 230, and a coin sensor 260.

CPU 200 is connected to other components via a bus and serves as a control center. RAM 201 is used as a work area for CPU 200. There is stored in ROM 202 a game program causing the game terminal to perform a client process including a play process. The details of these processes will be described later. This game program is read by CPU 200 for execution when game terminal A1 is activated. That is, game terminal A1 is a game terminal capable of executing a game program. It is to be noted that game terminal A1 may be provided with a storage device such as a hard disk, a DVD, or the like, and a game program or the like may be stored in this storage device.

Communication interface 203, under control of CPU 200, performs communication with router 20 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. Display device 21 is a CRT (cathode ray tube), a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display, or another type of appropriate image display device. Operation unit 230 is operated by a person, and has an operator that is operated by a user (player) of game terminal A1, to output an operation signal corresponding to an operation of the operator. Examples of the operator provided with operation unit 230 include buttons, handles, pedals, and the like. Coin sensor 260 notifies CPU 200 that a coin was fed to a coin slot (not shown) provided at game terminal A1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of lobby server apparatus 40. As shown in this figure, lobby server apparatus 40 has a CPU 400, a hard disk 401, a RAM 402, a ROM 403, and a communication interface 404. RAM 402 is used as a work area for CPU 400. There is stored in hard disk 401 a control computer program for causing lobby server apparatus 40 to perform a grouping process, a schedule data generation process, and a schedule data delivery process. The details of these processes will be described later.

There are stored in RAM 402 an entry list EL and a selection history list SL. Registered in entry list EL are pairs of a communication address of a game terminal waiting for grouping to be completed and selection data of the game terminal. In a case in which no game terminal is waiting for grouping to be completed, entry list EL will be empty. Registered in selection history list SL are pairs of selection data received from each of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . and receipt time data indicating a receipt time of the selection data. In a case in which selection data has not been received yet, selection history list SL will be empty.

There is stored in ROM 403 a boot program. This boot program is read for execution when lobby server apparatus 40 is activated. As a result, CPU 400 runs and executes a control program after reading it from hard disk 401. Communication interface 404 performs communication with router 30 in accordance with the predetermined communication protocol under control of CPU 400.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of groups in game system 100. In this example, game terminals A1, B1 and C2 belong to group G1, game terminals A2, A3 and B2 belong to group G2, and game terminals B3, C1 and C3 belong to group G3. Therefore, game terminals A1, B1 and C2 are used for a single play of a game associated with group G1, game terminals A2, A3 and B2 are used for a single play of a game associated with group G2, and game terminals B3, C1 and C3 are used for a single play of a game associated with group G3.

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing an operational example of a grouping process in game system 100. This example shows a case in which the group G2 in FIG. 4 is formed in a situation in which no game terminal is waiting for a grouping to be completed (a situation in which entry list EL is empty). In this example, a grouping request for requesting grouping is first transmitted from game terminal A2 to lobby server apparatus 40 (s1), is then transmitted from game terminal A3 to lobby server apparatus 40 (s3), and is then transmitted from game terminal B2 to lobby server apparatus 40 (s5).

The grouping request contains a communication address of a transmitter game terminal and selection data indicating a game selected at this game terminal from among plural games GA, GB, GC and GD. The communication address contained in the grouping request from each game terminal includes, as shown in FIG. 6, a router identifying section for identifying each of plural routers 20, 20, 20, . . . and a game terminal identifying section for identifying each of plural game terminals connected to the routers.

Lobby server apparatus 40, upon receiving a grouping request from a game terminal, registers in entry list EL a pair of a communication address of a transmitter game terminal and selection data contained in this grouping request, and registers in selection history list SL the selection data and receipt time data for the selection data. In a case in which only a grouping request that has reached lobby server apparatus 40 since lobby server apparatus 40 received a grouping request from game terminal A2 until it received a grouping request from game terminal B2 is a grouping request from game terminal A3, as shown in FIG. 5, receiving a grouping request from game terminal A2 (s1), registration into entry list EL and into selection history list SL (s2), receiving a grouping request from game terminal A3 (s3), registration into entry list EL and into selection history list SL (s4), receiving a grouping request from game terminal B2 (s5), and registration into entry list EL and into selection history list SL (s6) are sequentially performed at lobby server apparatus 40, and then game terminals A2, A3 and B2 are grouped (s7).

As a result of this grouping, group G2 to which game terminals A2, A3 and B2 belong is formed, and one of plural games GA, GB, GC and GD is associated with group G2. When this grouping is completed, lobby server apparatus 40 transmits a grouping response indicating that the grouping is completed to each of game terminals A2, A3 and B2 (s8 to s10). These grouping responses are identical except for its destination, and every response contains the communication addresses of game terminals A2, A3, and B2 and corresponding game data indicating a game associated with group G2. Lobby server apparatus 40 then deletes all the pairs from entry list EL (S11). The entry list EL becomes empty after this.

Each of game terminals A2, A3, and B2, upon receiving a grouping response, communicates with other game terminals using the communication addresses contained in the received grouping response, to start a play process for progressing a play of a game with the other game devices, the game being indicated by the corresponding game data contained in the grouping response (s12). For example, game terminal A2, upon receiving a grouping response, communicates with each of game terminals A3 and B2 using communication addresses contained in the grouping response, and starts a play process for progressing a play of a game with game terminal A3 and B2, the game being indicated by the corresponding game data contained in the grouping response. As is obvious from this, the game program is a computer program for enabling a game terminal to be used for a play of plural games GA, GB, GC and GD.

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing an operational example in a play process in game system 100. In this example, when the play process is started at group G2, a process is repeated of mutually transmitting and receiving play data among game terminals A2, A3, and B2 belonging to group G2 (s13 to s18). Play data is data necessary for a play of a game associated with group G2. For example, if the game associated with group G2 is a car rally game in which virtual vehicles are maneuvered to compete for scores, the play data will be data indicating the details of maneuvers for each vehicle by a player who participates in a play that progresses in this play process (users of game terminal A2, A3 and B2) and data indicating the score of the player.

In the play process, CPU 200 of each of game terminals A2, A3, and B2 consecutively causes display device 21 to display an image in response to an operation of operation unit 230 and an image corresponding to received play data. In each of plural games GA, GB, GC, and GD, a condition for ending a play is set, and each play of a game ends when the set condition is satisfied. In an example of FIG. 7, when a condition set for a play of a game associated with group G2 is satisfied, the play process ends (s19). In the play of the car rally game, the ranking and win or lose are determined based on the score upon termination.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a grouping process performed by lobby server apparatus 40. The grouping process is a process of repeating grouping. In the grouping process, CPU 400 of lobby server apparatus 40 first determines whether it has received a grouping request from any of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . (s31).

In a case in which a result of the determination is NO, the process returns to Step s31. Thus, CPU 400 waits until it receives a grouping request from one of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . . The grouping request contains a communication address of a transmitter game terminal and a piece of selection data. As is obvious from this, CPU 400 serves as a selection data receiver that receives a piece of selection data from each of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . .

In a case in which a result of the determination in Step s31 is YES, CPU 400 registers, in entry list EL, a pair of a communication address of a transmitter game terminal and selection data contained in the received grouping request (s32), and registers, in selection history list SL, a pair of the selection data and receipt time data showing the receipt time of the selection data (s33). Lobby server apparatus 40 has a real time clock (not shown). CPU 400 serves as a timer for keeping a current time using this real time clock, and upon receiving a grouping request, lets the current time be the receipt time of the selection data contained in this grouping request, to generate receipt time data indicating this receipt time.

CPU 400 then refers to entry list EL, to determine whether the number of game terminals waiting for the completion of grouping (waiting number) is less than the above prescribed number (three) (s34). In a case in which a result of the determination is YES, the process returns to Step s31. Thus, CPU 400 repeats the process from Steps s31 to s34 until the waiting number reaches the prescribed number.

In a case in which a result of the determination in Step s34 turns NO, CPU 400 groups game terminals of the prescribed number having transmitted selection data registered in entry list EL, to form a group of these game terminals (s35), transmits to each of these game terminals a grouping response (s36), deletes all the pairs from entry list EL (s37). Thereafter, the process returns to Step s31.

In the grouping of Step s35, CPU 400 identifies a game based on the prescribed number of pairs registered in entry list EL (the prescribed number of pairs for a group to be formed), to associate the identified game with the group to be formed. In other words, CPU 400 serves as a grouper that groups transmitter game terminals of the received pieces of selection data by the prescribed number (three) in an order in which the pieces of selection data were received, to form plural groups, that, in each grouping, identifies a game based on prescribed number of pieces of selection data for a group to be formed, and that associates the identified game with the group to be formed. However, a method for identifying a game to be associated with a group to be formed depends on the number of game venues in which the game terminals of the prescribed number for a group to be formed are sited.

In a case in which the number of game venues in which the game terminals of the prescribed number for a group to be formed are sited is 1, CPU 400 selects, in a random manner, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data registered in entry list EL, thereby to identify a game. This selection is performed, for example, by using a random number. In this specification, “selecting in a random manner” means a selection that is made in a case in which the selection probabilities for all the options are equal to one another. Therefore, in a case in which two pieces of selection data each indicating game GA and a piece of selection data indicating a game GB are registered in entry list EL, the probability of game GA being identified as a game to be associated with a group to be formed will be ⅓+⅓=⅔, and the probability of game GB being identified will be ⅓.

In a case in which the number of game venues in which game terminals of the prescribed number for a group to be formed are sited is two or greater, CPU 400 associates a game with each of these game venues and randomly selects one of these game venues. In this case, a game corresponding to the selected game venue is identified as the game. For example, in a case in which a group G2 as shown in FIG. 4 is formed, in which selection data from game terminal A2 and selection data from game terminal A3 both indicate game GB, and in which selection data from game terminal B2 indicates game GA, game GB is associated with game venue A in FIG. 1, whereas game GA is associated with game venue B in FIG. 1. Because the selection probability of game venue A and that of game venue B are both ½, the probability of game GB being identified as a game to be associated with group G2 and the probability of game GA being identified will be both ½.

In this example, a game to be associated with each game venue is selected by a rule of majority based on selection data pieces from game terminals sited in the game venue from among the prescribed number of pieces of selection data registered in the entry list EL, but it is not limited thereto. For example, in a case in which the prescribed number of pieces of selection data registered in entry list EL contain selection data pieces from two game terminals sited in the same game venue and in which these pieces of selection data indicate a game different from each other, a game to be associated with the game venue is randomly selected based on these pieces of selection data. The present embodiment may be modified so that random selection is always employed.

As shown in FIG. 8, CPU 400, upon completing a grouping, transmits the above described grouping response to each of game terminals A2, A3 and B2 (s36). CPU 400 then deletes all the pairs from entry list EL (s37). Thereafter, the process returns to Step s31. Thus, CPU 400 serves as a grouper that forms plural groups by grouping game terminals of the prescribed number having transmitted pieces of selection data received by communication interface 404 in an order in which the selection data pieces were received. In game system 100, while a play of a game is progressing in a group, another play of the same game could progress in another group.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a schedule data generation process performed by lobby server apparatus 40. The schedule data generation process is a process of repeatedly generating schedule data. In the present embodiment, this generation is performed on a cycle of one day. In principle, the schedule data is data associating each of plural schedule periods not overlapping one another with a game for which the number of times selected is greatest during a count period corresponding to each schedule period. An exception will be described later. Count periods are plural periods not overlapping one another, and these count periods respectively correspond to plural schedule periods. The schedule period is a period in the future, and the count period is a period in the past corresponding to the schedule period. For example, a period from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. of the next day is a schedule period, and a period from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. of the previous day is a count period.

In the schedule data generation process, CPU 400 first determines whether the current time passes a schedule data generation time (s41). In a case in which a result of this determination is NO, the process returns to Step s41. In other words, CPU 400 waits for the current time to pass the schedule data generation time. In a case in which a result of the determination in Step s41 is YES, CPU 400 counts, based on selection history list SL, the number of times selected for each of plural games GA, GB, GC, and GD for each count period (s42). In this counting, the number of times selected for a game during a count period will be, from among pairs of selection data and receipt time data indicating a receipt time of the selection data registered in selection history list SL, the number of pieces of selection data indicating the game and included in a pair for which receipt time data indicates a time within the count period. Thus, CPU 400 serves as a counter that counts the number of times selected for each of plural games GA, GB, GC, and GD for each of plural count periods using receipt time data and selection data.

Subsequently, CPU 400 generates schedule data based on the number of times selected counted in Step s42, for overwriting into RAM 402 (s43). In this generation, data associating each of plural schedule periods with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest during a count period for the schedule period is first generated based on the number of times selected counted in Step s42. This data will be schedule data in principle. Thus, CPU 400 serves as a schedule data generator that generates schedule data associating a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with a schedule period based on the counted number of selection. However, as an exception, in a case in which there is a game that is not associated with any of the plural schedule periods, schedule data is changed so that each of plural games GA, GB, GC, and GD is associated with one of the plural schedule periods.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, it will be the exception in a case in which the number of schedule periods is 4, in which a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest during a first schedule period is game GA, in which a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest during a second schedule period is a game GB, in which a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest during a third schedule period is game GC, and in which a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest during a fourth schedule period is game GA. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, schedule data associating the first schedule period with game GA, the second schedule period with game GB, the third schedule period with game GC, and the fourth schedule period with game GD is generated.

In an example of FIG. 11, game GD is associated with the fourth schedule period for which the probability of game GD being selected is higher among the first and fourth schedule periods. However, this may be modified so that game GD is associated with the first schedule period for which the number of game GD being selected is higher among the first and fourth schedule periods. The probability of a game being selected is the number of times selected for the game divided by the number of times selected for all the games. Alternatively, the above exception may be eliminated always to associate a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period with a schedule period corresponding to the count period.

As shown in FIG. 9, CPU 400, having generated schedule data for storage into RAM 402, deletes all the pairs from selection history list SL, and updates the schedule data generation time, plural count periods and plural schedule periods (s44). After this update, the schedule data generation time will be a time that is one day later, and each count period and each schedule period each will be a period that is one day later. Thereafter, the process returns to Step s41. Thus, the process from Step s41 to s43 is repeatedly performed at a cycle of one day.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a schedule data delivery process performed at lobby server apparatus 40. The schedule data delivery process is a process of delivering schedule data stored in RAM 402 to a game terminal. In the schedule data delivery process, CPU 400 first determines whether it has received a schedule data delivery request from one of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . , requesting the delivery of schedule data (s51). In a case in which a result of the determination is NO, the process returns to Step s51. That is, CPU 400 waits until it receives a schedule data delivery request from one of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . .

In a case in which a result of the determination in Step s51 is YES, CPU 400 reads schedule data from RAM 402, to transmit in response the data to transmitter game terminal of the received schedule data delivery request (s52). Thereafter, the process returns to Step s51. That is, in the schedule data delivery process, lobby server apparatus 40, every time it receives a schedule data delivery request from one of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . , transmits schedule data in response. CPU 400 may transmit schedule data to each game terminal, for example, on a regular basis even without receiving a delivery request from a game terminal. Thus, CPU 400 serves as a schedule data transmitter that transmits schedule data to each of plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . .

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a client process executed at a game terminal. The client process starts when a game terminal is activated. In the client process, CPU 200 of the game terminal first transmits a schedule data delivery request to lobby server apparatus 40 (s61), and receives schedule data from lobby server apparatus 40 (s62). Thus, CPU 200 serves as a schedule data receiver that receives schedule data from lobby server apparatus 40. Because the schedule data is overwritten at lobby server apparatus 40, the latest schedule data is received in Step s62.

CPU 200 then uses the received schedule data to cause display device 21 to display a schedule table indicating a grouping schedule (s63). In this case, the schedule table is displayed on a demonstration screen for one of the games, as shown in FIG. 14. A mode of displaying a schedule can be freely selected. In an example shown in FIG. 14, the table has an area in which images are displayed in a line, the images showing eleven schedule periods by equally dividing 11 hours from 10:00 to 21:00 of a displayed day into 11 sections and an area in which images are displayed in a line, the images showing games respectively corresponding to each schedule period. Thus, because the schedule table is information prompting the selection of a game corresponding to a schedule period in each of the plural schedule periods, CPU 200 serves as an information outputter that outputs information prompting the selection of a game corresponding to a schedule period in the schedule period.

In an example of FIG. 14, in a case in which the same game is mapped to schedule periods next to one another, an image showing the game is displayed across plural areas corresponding to an area in which images for these schedule periods are in line. A game terminal has a real time clock, and CPU 200 serves as a timer that keeps a current time using this real time clock. Therefore, CPU 200 is capable of having a schedule period including a current time highlighted as shown in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 13, CPU 200 then determines whether a play is possible by an output signal from coin sensor 260 (s64). In a case in which a result of the determination is NO, the process returns to Step s63. Thus, CPU 200 continues displaying the demonstration screen including the schedule table until a coin of value for enabling a play is inserted. In a case in which a result of the determination in Step s64 is YES, CPU 200 performs a game selection process for selecting one of plural games GA, GB, GC, and GD (s65).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a game selection process. In the game selection process, CPU 200 first provisionally selects one of plural games GA, GB, GC, and GD (s71). “To provisionally select” is a provisional selection and is not a true selection. Subsequently, CPU 200 determines whether a selection instruction has been input for selecting the game that is being provisionally selected based on an operation signal output from operation unit 230 (s72).

In a case in which a result of the determination is NO, CPU 200 determines, based on an operation signal output from operation unit 230, whether a provisional selection change instruction for changing the provisionally selected game is input (s73). In a case in which a result of the determination is YES, CPU 200 changes the provisionally selected game in accordance with the provisional selection change instruction (s74). In a case in which a result of the determination in Step s73 is NO, and in a case in which the process of Step s74 is completed, CPU 200 displays a selection screen corresponding to the provisionally selected game (s75). Thereafter, the process returns to Step s72.

Thus, the process from Steps s72 to s75 is repeated since a selection instruction is input until a result of the determination in Step s72 becomes YES, during which a selection screen as illustrated in FIG. 16 or FIG. 17 is displayed on display device 21. FIG. 16 shows a selection screen in which a game that is being provisionally selected is game GC, and FIG. 17 is a selection screen in which a game that is being provisionally selected is game GA. In a case in which a selection instruction is input and in which a result of the determination in Step s72 becomes YES, CPU 200 selects the provisionally selected game (s76). Thus, CPU 200 serves as a selector that selects one of plural games GA, GB, GC, and GD based on an operation made to operation unit 230.

As shown in FIG. 13, in a case in which the game selection process in Step s65 ends, CPU 200 transmits, to lobby server apparatus 40, a grouping request containing selection data indicating a game that has been selected in the game selection process (s66). Thus, CPU 200 serves as a selection data transmitter that transmits, to lobby server apparatus 40, selection data indicating a result of game selection. CPU 200 then receives a grouping response from lobby server apparatus 40 (s67), to perform the above-described play process (s68). When the play process ends, CPU 200 causes display device 21 to display a result of a play (for example, ranking and win or lose) (s69). The process returns to Step s63 thereafter.

As described in the foregoing, game system 100 has plural game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, . . . , that can be used for a play of plural games, and lobby server apparatus 40. In lobby server apparatus 40, grouping is performed on a first-come basis without depending on the selection of a game indicated by the selection data. In the first-come-basis grouping not depending on the selection of a game, there is an advantage in that time required for grouping is not increased even if the number of games selectable is large relative to the number of game terminals, but there is a disadvantage in that a player may be made to participate in a play different from a game that the player has selected. In game system 100, each game terminal selects one of plural games based on an operation made to operation unit 230 by a player, and transmits selection data indicating a result of the selection to lobby server apparatus 40. Lobby server apparatus 40 uses the selection data to count the number of times selected for each of plural games for each count period, and transmits, to each game terminal, schedule data associating, as a general rule, each schedule period with a game for which the number of times selected for a count period corresponding to the schedule period is the greatest, based on the counted number of selection. Because each game terminal outputs, based on the schedule data, information prompting selection, in each schedule period, of a game corresponding to the schedule period, a game selection in each schedule period corresponding to the schedule period is prompted at each game terminal.

Therefore, according to game system 100, a player, if the player understands that the first-come basis grouping not depending on a game selection is performed, can understand that there would be a high probability of being made to participate in a play of a game corresponding to a schedule period even if the player selects a game other than the game corresponding to the schedule period. The probability for a player who understands this to select in a schedule period a game other than a game corresponding to the schedule period is sufficiently low. Therefore, the probability of a game corresponding to the schedule period being selected in the schedule period would be high. As a result, the probability of a player being made to participate in a play of a game that is different from a game the player has selected will be reduced to low levels. Therefore, according to game system 100, the incidence of a player being made to participate in a play of a game different from the selected game can be reduced to low levels, without increasing the time required for grouping.

Furthermore, according to game system 100, in a case in which the plural games include a game that is not associated with one of the plural schedule periods, each of the plural games is associated with one of the plural schedule periods. Therefore, the number of games that can be selected does not have to be reduced practically.

Game system 100 may be modified so that schedule data is data associating each schedule period with a game for which the number of times selected is greatest in a count period corresponding to the schedule period without exceptions. According to this modification, because each schedule period is associated with a game for which the number of times selected is greatest in a count period corresponding to the schedule period, the probability of a user of a game terminal in each schedule period being a person not wanting to participate in a play of a game corresponding to the schedule period will be sufficiently low. Therefore, according to this modification, people giving up participation in a play of a desired game will be sufficiently reduced.

Furthermore, game system 100 may be modified so that a game to be associated with a group to be formed is decided on a majority basis based on the selection data. However, according to this modification, a game for which a player participates in a play could be identified independently from the details of a part of game selections. For example, in a case in which the prescribed number is 3, in which two pieces of selection data are received by the selection data receiver, and in which both pieces of the selection data indicate the identical game, the game indicated by the two pieces of already received selection data will be associated with a group to be formed no matter which game is indicated in the remaining one piece of selection data. Thus, a game for which a player participates in a play is identified regardless of a game indicated by the third piece of selection data. In contrast, in game system 100, in each grouping, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data is randomly selected, and a game indicated by the selected piece of selection data is associated with a group to be formed. Therefore, a game for which a player participates in a play could not be identified independently from the game selection. Also, according to game system 100, the greater is the number of pieces of selection data indicating the same game, the higher is the probability of this game being selected. Therefore, the number of players who are made to participate in a play other than a game each player has selected can be reduced.

Also, according to game system 100, plural game terminals are dispersely located at plural game venues, and in a case in which, in each grouping, the number of game venues in which game terminals of the prescribed number for a group to be formed are located is 1, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data is randomly selected, and a game indicated by the selected selection data is made associated with the game. In a case in which the number of game venues in which the game terminal of the prescribed number for the group are located is two or greater, one game is associated with each of these game venues, one of the game venues then being randomly selected, and a game corresponding to the selected game venue is associated with this group. Therefore, the probability for this group being associated with a game corresponding to a game venue in which the majority of the game terminals of the prescribed number of this group is located would be equal to the probability of being associated with a game corresponding to a game venue in which the minority is located. Therefore, a situation is avoided in which those who use a game venue having a small number of game terminals located and those who have few acquaintances who use the same game venue are disadvantaged.

Also, game system 100 may be modified so that game terminal (CPU 200) is prohibited from selecting in a schedule period a game other than a game corresponding to the schedule period. FIG. 18 shows an example of a selection screen according to this modification. FIG. 18 corresponds to FIG. 16. In the selection screen of FIG. 16, game GA, GB, GC, or GD can be provisionally selected or selected, whereas in the selection screen of FIG. 18, it is only game GC that can be provisionally selected or selected. This is because the selection screen of FIG. 18 is a selection screen in a schedule period associated with game GC. According to this modification, because, in a schedule period, no game other than a game corresponding to this schedule period will be selected, there will be no players who are made to participate in a play of a game different from the selected game.

This modification is further modified so that, instead of prohibiting the selection of a game, a play of the game in a group may be prohibited. FIGS. 19 and 20 each show an example of a selection screen according to this modification. In the selection screen of FIG. 19, game GC is provisionally selected, and a play of game GC in a group is provisionally selected. In the selection screen of FIG. 20, game GA is provisionally selected, but a play of game GA in a group cannot be provisionally selected.

In the game system 100, the above-described plural count periods may be removed, to employ, instead of the above-described plural schedule periods, a first schedule period and a second schedule period that is shorter than the first schedule period, the first and the second schedule periods not overlapping with each other. In this case, the number of times selected will be the number of times selected from a time at which the lobby server apparatus was activated. Accordingly, the schedule data may be data associating a first game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with the first schedule period and associating a second game other than the first game with the second schedule period. The schedule table displayed at a game terminal may be information for prompting selection of the first game in the first schedule period and prompting selection of the second game in the second schedule period. According to this modification, the first schedule period in which the selection is prompted of the first game with a high probability of being selected is longer than the second schedule period in which the selection is prompted of the second game with a low probability of being selected. Therefore, according to this game system, the number of people who give up participation in a play of a desired game can be reduced.

Game system 100 may be modified so that, as shown in FIG. 21, a weekly updated schedule table is displayed at each game terminal. Alternatively, Monday through Friday may be made a schedule period, and Saturday through Sunday may be another schedule period. Also, a period having consecutive weekdays may be made one schedule period, and a period having consecutive holidays may be made another schedule period. The count period is freely changed in accordance with the schedule period settings. Also, the display of the schedule table may be modified to notification by voice.

Game system 100 may be modified to have one count period, or to have one schedule period. The prescribed number may be 2, or 4 or more. The number of game terminals sited in each game venue may be 2, or 4 or more. All the game terminals may be sited in one game venue. The number of games that can be used for a play may be 2, 3, or 5 or more. The game system may be applied to a game other than a car rally. 

1. A game system comprising: plural game terminals for executing a game program and a lobby server apparatus for forming plural groups of game terminals of a prescribed number from among the plural game terminals and for associating a game with each of the plural groups, the prescribed number being equal to or greater than two, and all the game terminals belonging to each of the plural groups being used for a play of the game associated with the group, each of the plural game terminals comprising: an operation unit; a selector that selects one of plural games in accordance with an operation of the operation unit; a selection data transmitter that transmits a piece of selection data indicating a result of selection by the selector to the lobby server apparatus, the lobby server apparatus comprising: a selection data receiver that receives the selection data piece from each of the plural game terminals; a grouper that forms the plural groups by grouping game terminals of the prescribed number from among game terminals having transmitted the selection data pieces received by the selection data receiver in an order in which the selection data pieces were received, and, in each grouping, identifies, based on the prescribed number of pieces of selection data, a game for the group to be formed, to associate the identified game with the group to be formed; a counter that counts, by using the selection data pieces, the number of times selected for each of the plural games; a schedule data generator that generates, based on the number of times selected counted by the counter, schedule data associating a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with a schedule period; and a schedule data transmitter that transmits the schedule data to each of the plural game terminals, each of the plural game terminals further comprising: a schedule data receiver that receives the schedule data from the lobby server apparatus; and an information outputter that outputs, based on the schedule data, information prompting selection, in the schedule period, of a game corresponding to the schedule period.
 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein: there are plural schedule periods, the plural schedule periods not overlapping with each other, the number of times selected counted by the counter is the number of times selected for each of the plural games in each of the plural count periods not overlapping with each other, the plural count periods and the plural schedule periods respectively correspond to each other, the schedule data is data that associates each of the plural schedule periods with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period corresponding to each schedule period, and the information output by the information outputter is information for prompting selection, in each of the plural schedule periods, of a game corresponding to the schedule period.
 3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein: there are plural schedule periods, the plural schedule periods not overlapping with each other, the number of times selected counted by the counter is the number of times selected for each of the plural games in each of the plural count periods not overlapping with each other, the plural count periods and the plural schedule periods respectively correspond to each other, the schedule data generator generates, based on the number of times selected counted by the counter, data associating each of the plural schedule periods with a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest in a count period corresponding to each schedule period, and, in a case in which the plural games include a game that is not associated with any of the plural schedule periods, changes the data so that every one of the plural games is associated with one of the plural schedule periods, to employ the changed data as schedule data, and otherwise employs the data as the schedule data, and the information output by the information outputter is information prompting selection, in each of the plural schedule periods, of a game corresponding to the schedule period.
 4. The game system according to claim 1, wherein: the schedule period includes a first schedule period and a second schedule period shorter than the first schedule period, the first schedule period and the second schedule period not overlapping with each other, the schedule data is data that associates a first game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with the first schedule period and that associates a second game different from the first game with the second schedule period, and the information output by the information outputter is information prompting selection of the first game in the first schedule period and of the second game in the second schedule period.
 5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game terminal prohibits, in the schedule period, to select a game other than a game corresponding to the schedule period.
 6. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the grouper, in each grouping, selects, in a random manner, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data for the group to be formed, and associates a game indicated by the selected piece of selection data with the group to be formed.
 7. The game system according to claim 1, wherein: the plural game terminals are dispersely located in plural game venues, the grouper, in each grouping, in a case in which the number of game venues where the game terminals of the prescribed number for the group to be formed are located is one, selects, in a random manner, one of the prescribed number of pieces of selection data for the group to be formed, and associates a game indicated by the selected piece of selection data with the group to be formed, and the grouper, in each grouping, in a case in which the number of game venues where the game terminals of the prescribed number for the group to be formed are located is two or more, associates a game with each of the two or more game venues and selects, in a random manner, one of the two or more game venues, to associate the game corresponding the selected game venue with the group to be formed.
 8. A lobby server apparatus in a game system having plural game terminals for executing a game program, wherein, among which plural game terminals, a prescribed number of game terminals are grouped as a group, all the game terminals belonging to the group being used for a play of a game associated with the group, with the prescribed number being equal to or greater than two, the lobby server comprising: a selection data receiver that receives selection data pieces from the plural game terminals, each piece of the selection data indicating one of plural games selected by a player of the game; a grouper that forms plural groups by grouping game terminals of the prescribed number from among game terminals having transmitted the selection data pieces received by the selection data receiver in an order in which the selection data pieces were received, and that, in each grouping, identifies, based on the prescribed number of pieces of selection data, a game for the group to be formed, to associate the identified game with the group to be formed; a counter that counts, by using the pieces of selection data, the number of times selected for each of the plural games; a schedule data generator that generates, based on the number of times selected counted by the counter, schedule data associating a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with a schedule period; and a schedule data transmitter that transmits the schedule data to each of the plural game terminals so that information based on the schedule data is output by a game terminal having received the schedule data.
 9. A game terminal in a game system having plural game terminals for executing a game program and a lobby server that forms plural groups of game terminals of a prescribed number from among the plural game terminals, and that associates a game with each of the plural groups, the prescribed number being equal to or greater than two, and all the game terminals belonging to each of the plural groups being used for a play of the game associated with the group, the game terminal comprising: an operation unit; a selector that selects one of plural games in accordance with an operation of the operation unit; a selection data transmitter that transmits a piece of selection data indicating a result of selection by the selector to the lobby server apparatus, a schedule data receiver that receives schedule data from the lobby server apparatus, the schedule data associating a game for which the number of times selected is the greatest with a schedule period; and an information outputter that outputs, based on the schedule data, information prompting selection, in the schedule period, of a game corresponding to the schedule period. 